We have a mission to carry on with Jesus, the Lamb. “Behold the Lamb of God, Who continues to take away the sin of the world” (cf. Jn 1:29). Jesus taught His Apostles this. He said, “When you pray, wherever you go, in My Name preach penance for the remission of sins.” (cf. Lk 24:47) “Preach the Cross. Tell My people not to be afraid of suffering because this is how we eradicate sin. This is how we take away sin.”

We’re called “to live Jesus and His Cross” because this is living His agape love to the fullest. Pain is useless if it’s not united with the pain of Jesus. So with any kind of pain or suffering, physical, or especially of the heart, unite it with the suffering of Jesus and then the pain becomes powerful to save souls. It becomes redemptive.

Jesus Himself speaks to us at Mass. When that Chalice with the Blood of the Lamb is lifted up, He says, “Do this in memory of Me.” In other words, You do this. You lay down your lives now for others. You love one another as I have loved you. You do this in remembrance of Me.” Love makes us vulnerable so our hearts will be pierced from time to time at this level. There is no protection for a heart that’s loving and open to receive love, and so we will experience the piercing of the heart, but we can use it as it was used on Calvary. When the Heart of Jesus was pierced and the Blood and Water flowed out, He was giving Life. He was giving Life to all the Sacraments of the Church. He was giving Life to humanity again.

“Remain in Me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me” (Jn 15:4)